Tolleshunt Major facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tolleshunt Major |
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 St. Nicholas' church, Tolleshunt Major |
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 Tolleshunt Major
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| Population | 695 (2011) |
| OS grid reference | TL900113 |
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| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | MALDON |
| Postcode district | CM9 |
| Dialling code | 01621 |
| Police | Essex |
| Fire | Essex |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
| UK Parliament |
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Tolleshunt Major is a small village in Essex, England. It is about five miles northeast of Maldon. The village is part of the Maldon District. It sits on the northern bank of the River Blackwater.
Contents
Village History: How Tolleshunt Major Got Its Name
The group of villages called Tolleshunt (Major, Knights, D'Arcy, and Tollesbury) grew in an area settled by a Saxon chief named Toll. He cleared parts of the forest near water sources. The name "Tolleshunta" was the old Anglo-Saxon name for "Toll's spring."
In 1544, King Henry VIII gave the name Tolleshunt Major to the village. It was sometimes called Mauger before that. Stephen Beckenham bought land around the village. He built a large house that looked like a small castle. It had a gatehouse with towers and a red-brick wall. This house was known as "Beckingham House."
The original Beckingham House was taken down in 1782. A farmhouse was built in its place. However, the old gatehouse, with its towers and wall, is still there today.
The Beckingham Family and Their Manor
The Beckingham family came from Wiltshire. Stephen Beckenham's son, Thomas, became a knight. He passed away in 1633. His son, William, became the owner of the estate when he was only 12 years old.
Later, the estate was sold to Sir Thomas Adams. He was an important city official from London. The manor house was sold many times after that. Today, it belongs to new owners.
Exploring Tolleshunt Major's Geography
Tolleshunt Major has a few main streets. These include Beckingham Street, Bakers Lane, and Mill Lane. Other streets are Witham Road, Tudwick Road, and Tolleshunt D'Arcy Road. The village has just over one hundred homes.
The village's borders reach as far as Little Totham. They include parts of Sawyers Lane and Plains Road. Other country areas of the village are Church Road to the east and Tudwick Road to the north. Sawyers Lane and Plains Road are to the west. Parts of Scraley Road, Wash Lane, and Bakers Green are to the south.
Tolleshunt Major is not on a main highway. It is surrounded by other villages. These include Little Totham, Goldhanger, and Tolleshunt D'Arcy. Nearby towns are Maldon, Colchester, and Chelmsford.
Local Economy and Businesses
Tolleshunt Major has a place called The Beckingham Business Park. It has a few different companies. These include a transport company and a sports equipment maker. The village does not have street lights or a main gas supply. There is no public bus service, only a school bus.
The village has one pub called the Beckingham Bell. It is on Beckingham Street.
There is also a small shop at Wicks Manor Farm. This farm is owned by Howies & Sons. Wicks Manor Farm is a local Essex farm. They make dry cured bacon, sausages, and ham.
For more shopping, people can drive to Tiptree. This is about a ten-minute drive away. Tiptree has large supermarkets and fast food places. It also has newsagents, a post office, and hair salons. Doctors and pharmacists are also in Tiptree. The famous jam factory, Wilkin & Sons Limited, is also there.
For even bigger shopping centers, people can go to Chelmsford City or Colchester Town. Both are about 30 minutes away by car.
How Tolleshunt Major is Governed
People in Tolleshunt Major have elected representatives. These people help make decisions for the village and nearby areas.
Two district councillors represent the area at Maldon District Council. They are Robert Long and Maddie Thompson, both from the Conservative Party (UK).
Getting Around: Public Transport
Bus Services
There is no public bus service that goes through Tolleshunt Major. You can catch buses in the nearby village of Tolleshunt D'Arcy. These buses go to places like Maldon, Chelmsford, and Witham.
Train Services
The closest train stations are in Witham or Hatfield Peveral. These trains are run by Abellio Greater Anglia. You can travel from these stations to London Liverpool Street. You can also go to Ipswich, Clacton, Harwich, Braintree, and Norwich.
The nearest London Underground (subway) line is the Central line. You can find it at Stratford International.
Schools in the Area
There are no schools directly in Tolleshunt Major village. The closest primary school is in Tolleshunt D'Arcy.
Healthcare Services
The nearest hospitals are Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford. Another option is Colchester General Hospital in Highwoods, Colchester. Both are part of the NHS.
